Monarch Butterfly Grove

Take a short trip south from SeaVenture on Highway 1 to the southern boundary of Pismo Beach, just past downtown, where you will find the famous Monarch Grove whose eucalyptus trees provide a temporary home to millions of migrating Monarch butterflies each winter.

The Grove is located on the West side of Highway 1 and parking is available on either side of Highway 1 by the main access point to the Monarch site and also by driving through the North Beach campground and following the signs.

The Grove is located less than a mile from SeaVenture so it makes the perfect afternoon outing. Plus the beach is just a short walk away for additional fun.

Monarch Butterfly Fun Facts

Monarch butterflies summer in the Sierra Nevada, Florida, Canada and the Great Lakes Region of North America.

Between late October and early March, the butterflies migrate to Pismo Beach, Pacific Grove, Morro Bay, other California locations and Mexico in search of warmer climates.

The Monarch Grove in Pismo Beach is one of the largest in the world, hosting an average of 100,000 butterflies

When temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, Monarchs form dense clusters high up on the trees to sleep. These clusters are formed by covering each other with their wings in layers that look a lot like shingles on a roof. These clusters provide shelter from the rain and warmth for the group in addition to adding weight to keep the cluster from whipping in the wind and dislodging the butterflies.